Residential care for children

Provision of residential accommodation for children up to 16 years of age who cannot live with their natural families. Prior to a placement in residential accommodation there will be assessment of need undertaken in conjunction with the young person (and their family if appropriate), social workers and residential staff.

Residential care for children/children’s homes, are there to ensure that the needs of children are met when they cannot live with their own family. They are a place for children to develop and grow, as well as providing food, shelter, space for play and leisure in a caring environment.

Care plan

Children’s homes look after children with many different needs. When children and young people come to live in a children’s home they will have a care plan.

Their care plan says why a child is living in a home, what is supposed to happen while they are living there and what is expected to happen at the end of their stay. Most children will go home, but some will go to live with other families and some will go to live in other homes. Older children who are not planning to return home, are given help to prepare them for living on their own.

Education

Education is important. Children go to their own school if they have a school place, or we help to get them back into school. Although some young people may still attend different resources in the community, for example school, college, etc. It is very important that children and young people stay in touch with their family and friends. It is only when they might be hurt, or a Court Order says that contact is not allowed, some children will not be able to have visits from their family nor will they themselves be able to visit their family/friends. In Hackney we offer an independent visitors’ service for children in this situation. Independent visitors can act as independent advocates for young people.

Children and young people are respected as individuals. By providing for their religious and cultural needs, children are encouraged to keep their sense of personal identity and community.